To mark the HCAW, the leader of the Council, Councillor Alyson Barnes, said:

“Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity

“It is appalling and it can destroy lives. Sadly in this borough we have seen first-hand the terrible consequences of hate and where it can lead to if left unchecked. It must be challenged in all its forms and everyone has a responsibility to do so.

“I also want to highlight the campaign at a national level to make misogyny, or hatred of women, categorised as a hate crime. Some of the things you read directed at women, especially women in the public eye, are disgusting. I know all right minded individuals call it out but there is quite a lot of abuse that goes on.

“We are determined as a Council to work with partners, residents and businesses to stamp out hate crime in the borough.”

Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 13 to 20 October. During the week, Lancashire Police is encouraging people across the county to sign up to their #SayNoToHate pledge. Sign up now.